A RARE home tie could be the catalyst for Guernsey to reach the fourth round of the EH Trophy.

As part of the island’s conditions of entry into the national competition, which they won in 2009, if teams are drawn away against Guernsey they can choose not to travel here.

However, Purley Walcountians have accepted the invitation to turn out at the Guernsey Hockey Club, Footes Lane, in tomorrow’s third round, much to the delight of Guernsey player-coach Andy Whalley.

‘In all the years we’ve played in the competition, we’ve had to travel off island about 90% of the time, so it’s great to have a fixture at home,’ he said. ‘We’re very pleased that Purley agreed to travel and hope more teams will follow in future.’